Two weeks to go! White Rock Marathon Goal 26.2 miles

Nov 19, 2010

I'm two weeks away from completing my goal of running The White Rock Marathon (26.2 miles). I've enjoyed the journey and have gained so much. About two weeks ago, as my miles increased so did the stress on my body. My right shin gives me a lot of trouble. I've managed to tough it out and continue with my training schedule, until I did my ultimate practice run (20 miles). My body protested after wards and the wheels began to fall off. My husband talked me into taking two running days off. I took Thursday off and will try to cross train on Saturday, picking things back up on Monday. I'm praying it's enough time to heal and recovery.

Yesterday, I told my husband I was ready to do the dreaded ice bath to help speed my recovery. I'm extremely cold natured so the thought of getting in a swimsuit and sitting in a bathtub filled with ice, is the ultimate craziness for me. My husband began to wonder and maybe questioning my sanity. He isn't the first one and I'm sure he won't be the last. As I describe my training routine and my bodies reaction, I will admit it does sound sort of crazy too. I read another runner's blog where he saw someone on race day holding a sign that read- You paid to do this...REALLY? It's always good to be able to laugh at yourself sometimes.

I've come so far and this goal means more to me than anyone will ever know. It's not about "keeping the weight off" or just some crazy  idea I dreamed of. You see....ever since I was a little girl, I can remember wanting to be a Mother. Everything I did was centered around my children and being a Mom. I spent many years doing this and I don't have a single regret! I love being a Mother and it is all and more than I ever dreamed of. I struggled at times to balance life out and I lost sight of somethings causing my marriage to suffer a little and my health took a backseat too. I felt like I woke up one day and realized I couldn't live this way anymore. I deserved better and my family deserved a better me. Three years ago, I made the big change and I promised myself I would not take my health for granted.

I married very young. I depended on my husband way more than one deserves to carry the burden. It's my time to do something on my own and for myself. There hasn't been a trainer along my side nor a runner partner. Every run has been alone. I've had to learn to push myself and cheer for myself. The cheering part has been one of the biggest accomplishments. I cheer my children on and praise them, but it is much harder to do the same for yourself. Negative thoughts naturally flood our minds when it comes to ourselves. I had to learn I was worthy of the same kindness and support. The practice of clearing away the negative and replacing it with positive thoughts is a constant work in progress.

Dec. 5, 2010 will be a day I will never forget! I can't wait and I'm ready to do this! Please pray that my shin allows me to show up healthy.

Oh and for you that search for the weight progress....I'm 126 lbs. today! I've gained a lot of muscle and can still wear the same size I did when I weighed 120 lbs which was too skinny for me. I didn't look healthy, but now I do!

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